9 Best Mattress Toppers to Relieve Back Aches and Pains

LAST UPDATED: February 7, 2019

50Mattress Toppers Considered

50Hours of Research

6Experts Interviewed

239Reviews Analyzed

When you are on the hunt for the best mattress topper, the first thing you need to know is why having one is so important. People who suffer from back pain will especially appreciate the purpose and design of mattress toppers, as they help add firmness, support and added comfort for those who need it most. If you’ve ever had to deal with a saggy, overly soft or aging mattresses, you know why this is so important.

Today, we’re going to be looking at all the most important features of the best mattress topper for back pain, including their thickness, density, sizes they’re available in and warranty. Using all these factors, we’ve ranked all these toppers to give you the best understanding of which is right for you. We have carefully laid out the information in a user-friendly formatted table below so you can have a quick reference for each factor you will need to consider when shopping for a mattress topper.

Top 9 Mattress Toppers for Back Pain Review 2019

To put this all together we spent hours going through online reviews, checking company websites, and expert opinions to bring you the most comprehensive guide possible. This in-depth article is laid out with clear cut ratings, detailed reviews of each of the products and a buying guide for everything you need to look out for when choosing the mattress topper for your needs.

This mattress topper is top of the pile when it comes to awesome features. It comes with built in cooling gel, a washable zipper covering and 2.5 inches of memory foam. On top of all that, it has a 5 year limited manufacturer warranty which is really handy.

This mattress topper comes in three different sizes Twin Extra-Large, Queen and King, so not matter the size of your bed, you will pretty much be covered. If you are looking to improve the quality of your night sleep, you are definitely going to like the cooling gel this topper’s been infused with. This marvel of modern manufacturing helps add a layer of cushioning comfort and coolness to your night’s rest that sets this one apart from other models on the market. However, if you’re already a cold sleeper, the gel may not meet your sleeping needs.

Additionally, this mattress topper has a gripping underside that will ensure it stays put on the bed and keeps you cradled in comfort the entire night through. Having already won SELF Magazine’s Editor’s Choice award, this topper has tons of positive reviews by users and industry experts alike. This mattress topper easily turns a restless, uncomfortable night’s sleep into sweet dreams without the pain. If you are looking pain-free nights that will have you jumping out of bed in the morning, then definitely consider the LuxLiving mattress topper.

PROS:

Cooling gel

2.5” memory foam

Zipper cover for ease of washing

Multiple sizes

CONS:

Cooling gel may not service all sleepers needs if already a cold sleeper

This mattress topper has many features that allow it to stand out from the crowd with a price tag that makes it fantastic value. Got aching joints? The 3-inch ventilated mattress topper features 2 inches of infused gel memory foam that shapes to your body for maximum support, giving you a painless, dream-filled night of sleep.

Another awesome perk to this mattress toppers is the fact that it is hypoallergenic and CertiPUR-US cerified. If a foam is CertiPUR certified, that means that it meets certain requirements including that it is made without ozone depleters, without flame retardants, without mercury, lead, and other heavy metals, without formaldehyde and phthalates. It also means that this product is regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and made with low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) emissions for indoor air quality (less than 0.5 parts per million). So if you’re looking for a mattress topper that will help your back pain AND allow you to feel good about the purchase, this is a great choice.

This mattress topper is durable with performance features you are going to want to rave about in the morning. Unfortunately, this topper only comes in queen size, however, it does feature a 1-year manufacturer warranty. The foam adheres to your existing mattress to ensure that the topper won’t slip out of place.

This topper features a 2-inch memory foam base that helps to not only cushion and mold for optimum sleeping comfort, but also has movement minimization technology that allows for peace and quiet even when sharing a sleeping space with partners, pets and kids. The open cell structure of this topper expands to help best distribute weight and help ease muscle tension.

This topper is intentionally sized one inch smaller than the mattress size being purchased to ensure that it says in place and fits your existing mattress in the best way possible. This lightweight topper can be rolled up, making it easily portable. It can also be used as a back up sleeping option for guests if you don’t have an extra mattress laying around.

Many people who experience chronic pain while sleeping have said that this mattress topper did wonders in helping them get a good night’s sleep. If you are someone who suffers from poor night’s sleep due to pain, or maybe you are someone who doesn’t look forward to your nights because you are anticipating waking up stiff, having a mattress topper like the Advanced Sleep Solutions Memory Foam Mattress Topper could make a world of difference.

This topper is also hypoallergenic and certified by CertiPUR. But perhaps one of the biggest draws is the awesome warranty and money back guarantee. The product is made in the USA and the manufacturer promises to stand behind their work with a “60 Day Money Back Comfortably Perfect Guarantee” and a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty.

This 3-inch topper features good ventilation, plus therapeutic memory foam. Since it is constructed with memory foam, some sleepers may find it too warm. Naturally hypoallergenic, this mattress topper certainly shows off the amazing ways that natural manufacturing can upgrade everyday household items. At first hearing that a mattress topper is made with bamboo and charcoal may not seem like a great option. However, look a little deeper and you will be amazed at the quality and comfortability offered by this revolutionary mattress topper.

The bamboo and charcoal are used in this model help regulate moisture, temperature, and odor. If you enjoy getting a good night’s sleep the natural way, this topper is a great choice.

The LUCID is definitely on the soft side when it comes to mattress toppers. However, this does not stop it from providing a good amount of pressure point pain reduction by supporting your body in all the necessary places. Memory foam is designed to help keep your spine in a neutral position through the night.

This antibacterial mattress topper is the most natural option allowing for ventilation and natural comfort, allowing you to rest with peace of mind, and with rested muscles.

This 3-inch topper has a gel-infused memory foam composition that helps align your spine for what the manufacturer touts as the best night’s sleep you will ever get. Featuring a washable bamboo-rayon cover, this mattress topper should last longer and be able to take more wear than those that are foam and do not come with a cover. Since nobody likes to replace “big ticket” items like this more often than they absolutely have to, this is a nice touch.

With a money back guarantee, this USA-based brand topper will allow you to make this purchase with confidence. If you don’t like it, you can get your money back and try something else. However, chances are you will like it!

Gel-infused memory foam is all the rage these days for a reason. It provides you with the comfort of memory foam without making you sleep too hot. Since it is gel-infused, the mattress topper keeps you cooler helping you sleep through the night.

While some sleepers found it a bit soft, since it is high-density, this mattress topper is all about giving your body the support it needs for a long, peaceful night’s sleep. For anyone who has a hard time getting a good night’s sleep because of pain, a mattress topper like this can provide exactly what you need to change that. The ViscoSoft also has handy straps built in to help you keep the topper well-situated on your mattress.

Basic and to the point, this 4-inch memory foam topper is gel-infused, designed to give you a cool night’s sleep without sacrificing any comfort. The memory foam is built with a breathable open cell foam that is all about conforming to your own unique shape. When you get to be cradled in this cocoon of support, many people find they are able to get that good night’s rest they have been searching for. Some people found it to be softer than they may have wanted, however if you enjoy a soft topper, that may not be a bad thing at all.

This mattress topper is vented for airflow which can make a big difference if you are someone who tends to sleep on the hot side. The manufacturer offers plenty of options when it comes to sizes. You will be able to find a match regardless of the size of mattresses you have.

This mattress topper is your best option for an entry level mattress topper because of its affordable price point while still being able to deliver all of the functionality that you will need to enjoy a pain free night. It does not have some of the bells and whistles of other mattress toppers, but if you are just dipping your toes into the world of mattress toppers to relieve your back pain, this is a great option.

Like those toppers already reviewed, this 3-inch topper features memory foam is designed to support your pressure points and ease pains during the night. However, this mattress topper has something that the others definitely do not have! This Zinus mattress topper is made of material that is called “biofoam”. Instead of the usual petroleum based foams, this mattress topper is made with green tea extract and natural castor seed oil. These natural ingredients will help eliminate bacteria that can cause odor. This can be an important thing since many people do not consider the amount of perspiration, body oils, etc. that can be left on a mattress and cause odor over time.

Included with this great product is a worry free 5-year warranty and is available in a full range of sizes. With lots of satisfied customer ratings and a price that is definitely easy on the wallet, this mattress topper is an easy choice for our budget pick.

If durability is a concern, this mattress topper is also CertiPUR-US certified so you can rest easy in more ways than one. It may be a bit hotter than other options because of its foam construction.

The Zinus does not come with a built in cover which may at first seem like a drawback. However, the topper was designed in such a way as to allow it to be thin enough to fit under pretty much any kind of mattress cover or regular fitted sheet.

This 3-inch memory foam topper appears to have taken notes about all the little details that customers like from other toppers and put them together. The only drawback is, unfortunately, this attention to detail definitely shows in the price.

This lightweight topper features movement isolation, which is a huge plus for light sleepers. It is designed to stimulate pressure points on your body to help relieve pain that you may normally experience during sleep. Like most of the other toppers, this one is also CertiPUR-US certified protecting you from any harmful chemicals.

Another cool feature is the 100% antibacterial bamboo cover that is moisture wicking to allow your topper to remain at the peak of freshness. The bottom of this mattress topper has grippy non-slip fabric to minimize slippage and keep it firmly where it needs to be on your mattress.

The size and lightweight construction allow it to be rolled up without a problem so you can easily store it when not in use. This also makes it a great option for use in a guestroom or when you’ve got extra company around. If you are looking for a great all-around mattress topper, the Langria is a great option to look at.

Sometimes you buy a mattress and it is just not what you were hoping for. However, since mattresses are such a big investment, it can be hard to justify getting rid of it and splurging on a new one. Whether your mattress is just way too rock hard or whether it just doesn’t offer the support you need, a mattress topper like this Sure2Sleep may just be the solution you need.

This 2-inch topper is a 3-pound high density foam mattress topper that is “the little engine that could” of the toppers reviewed. Having this kind of higher density foam means that it is going to last longer, while maintaining its original shape and form. If you are a hot sleeper, you will definitely appreciate the gel infused foam which will help regulate your body temperature giving you a cooler night’s sleep. At the same time, the memory foam will give you all the pressure point support that you need to get the pain relief that you are looking for.

This hypoallergenic topper (made with CertiPUR-US certified materials) comes with a warranty to match its features. It doesn’t come with a cover and it is on the heavier side, however your purchase gets you a full 3-year replacement warranty. There is a long list of satisfied customer ratings and reviews that demonstrate the quality of this product.

PROS:

High Density

Hypoallergenic

Cooling

CONS:

Heavier

No covering

Buying Guide

Although mattress toppers are relatively uncomplicated products, shopping for one can become a bit overwhelming due to the variety of different models available on the market, all with unique features that can complicate the decision-making process, especially if you’re looking for a topper specifically for back pain. In this buying guide, we’ll cover everything you need to keep in mind when choosing the perfect topper for you.

Advantages of having a top-quality mattress topper for back pain:

If your mattress is part of the contributing factors to your back pain, it might be time to refresh your mattress with a topper that can provide pressure point and spine support to alleviate your concerns. Toppers are designed to cover a traditional mattress while rejuvenating all the features that you need to start waking up refreshed instead of dealing with aches and pains. Not all toppers are created equal. Some have different features, warranties, etc. That’s why it is important to do a bit of research into what topper is best for you.

Features to consider when choosing a mattress topper for back pain

When you are shopping for a mattress topper, always start by determining which features you believe are most necessary for your comfort. If you deal with back pain, some things to take into consideration are the thickness, the material manufacturing (is it hypoallergenic?), materials composition (gel-foam hybrid, foam only, etc.), your sleep type (hot, cold, stationary, or a mover), and whether or not you plan on putting the topper on for good or whether you plan on taking it on and off.

Topper thickness

Choosing a topper with the right thickness can make a big difference in the amount of support and comfort that you it provides you during the night. Something like the Linenspa mattress topper above is on the thicker side at 4 inches while something like the Sure2Sleep is only 2 inches.

Density

The density of mattress toppers is measured in pounds per cubic foot. This may not make much sense at first, however, another way to think of a mattress toppers density is as the weight of 1 cubic foot of memory foam. In other words, foam that is denser will also weigh more.

Low density foam is usually around 3 pounds per cubic foot or lower. Toppers like the Langria above fall into this category and are going to allow a lot of sink and cradle. Medium density foam is usually between 3-5 pounds per cubic foot (such as the LuxLiving topper). These provide a good mix of soft comfort and firmer support.

Available sizes and overall dimensions

Most toppers come in Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen and King sizes. However, you should be aware that this does not mean that the dimensions will be a perfect fit to your mattress.

Check carefully the actual dimensions of a topper, as some fit inside of the mattress dimensions to prevent slippage, while others sit directly on top and match your mattress’ size as closely as possible.

Weight support

When doing your pre-shopping research, something you need to think about is how much weight your mattress topper is going to be taking and whether or not it will be able to provide the support that you need. If you are sleeping with a partner, take the combined weight into consideration. The combination of density and thickness will determine whether the mattress topper will be able to give you the comfort you are looking for.

Materials used

Mattress toppers are usually foam, memory foam, gel, or some combination of the three. The materials used will have a big effect on the longevity of your topper, as well as the amount of heat and moisture it retains. Models like the LUCID and the Zinus we reviewed contain natural materials that are designed to kill bacteria that can cause odors.

Most of the mattress toppers reviewed here specifically state that they are CertiPUR-US certified so you can be sure that what you are buying is free from toxic chemicals that could be harmful to your health.

Keep in mind that foam mattresses can have a strong odor. Generally, you will need to let the topper air out for up to 48 hours before use.

Weight

If you suffer from back problems, something to keep in mind is how you will be transporting the mattress topper. You don’t want to get a topper to help your back pain only to hurt your back more trying to get it on your bed because it was too heavy! Typically, higher density mattress toppers are going to weigh more, however this isn’t always true. Check the overall weight of the topper before you buy it to make sure it will be something that you can manage.

Warranty

A good warranty can be the difference between an amazing experience and money down the drain. If this is your first time trying out a mattress topper, make sure to get a product like the ViscoSoft or the Advanced Sleep Solutions, which offer money-back guarantees if you are not satisfied with your purchase.

FAQ

The best way to keep your topper clean is through the use of a washable cover. However, if you do need to clean the topper, this can be done by hand with a vacuum cleaner (using a soft brush attachment), a suitable fabric cleaner, water, and a spray bottle.

It depends on the topper, however most of them can be used in this way.

Our Verdict

We have looked at a lot of awesome mattress toppers. If anything, now you know that there are tons of great options available for you to minimize your back pain while sleeping and get a good night’s rest.

On top of that list is the LuxLiving Gel Infused mattress topper mattress topper. With the cooling properties of the gel-infused material, this is a sure win for hot sleepers. Plus, the 5-year warranty and included cover are great touches.

The Splendoress 3 Inch Mattress Topper is another fantastic option. Again, gel-infused foam will make for a comfortable night and the 3 inches of foam provides plenty of support. And the affordable price makes this one a value pick for sure.

When they say “advanced”, they mean it when it comes to the Advanced Sleep Solutions memory foam mattress topper. By minimizing movement and giving all kinds of high-tech support, this mattress topper has definitely earned its spot near the top.

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